Having said that, as of 11:00pm 1/1/2011, I've made a New Years commitment, a commitment to do "nothing" every day for the entire year. As fun as that sounds, let me explain.
First off, this isn't a "resolution", its a commitment or intention which is a change of mind, heart and spirit; very different than a resolution (again, see the related blog post for clarification)
Second, I made this intention last night after a moment of inspiration that also came from the heart - I had no plan to make any sort of definitive changes in conjunction with the New Year. In fact, other than going out to celebrate the New Year, like so many do, I had otherwise ignored the rest of the hoopla that comes along with cracking open a new calendar. So this inspiration and challenge caught me rather by surprise.
Third, by "nothing" I actually mean "Meditation" which in reality is both nothing AND everything!
I've been a long time practitioner of seated meditation (based on Zazen meditation), I typically meditate an average of 2-3 times per week for anywhere from 10 minutes to upwards of 30 minutes. I've taught others this form of meditation. I've taught workshops on meditation and meditation is assigned to those who participate in BTWG. Having said that, I'm no "master" and I know better than to make an attempt to explain "why" I'm feeling inspired to take on this challenge. I also know better than to predict or expect anything to come of this effort - that's not how this game is played.
Here is one thing I do know. My 365 challenge is unique from most other 365 challenges I am familiar with in that it involves "nothing". I personally know others who have completed a 365 day challenges and I've seen numerous other blogs from people doing 365 days of "something", i.e. exercise, yoga, Kelly Starretts Mobility Workouts, Dave Lipson's 365 days of Squatting 450#, and so forth. All of these examples are honorable in their own right, yet they are centered around "action" or doing "something". I think there is already far too much doing-ness in our lives and not near enough nothingness. So, here is my contribution and my commitment. Along with my goal of sitting in meditation each day for a minimum of 10 minutes, I will make at least a brief post or update on this blog everyday.
1 day down, 364 to go...
3 comments:
Your blog has perked my interest, so I did a little internet research on Zazen meditation. I've always been a little uneasy about meditating, but stillness is what most of us lack. I enjoyed what I learned from my research. I'm excited to try it.
Hey Amber,
Thanks for the comment.
I too had been and remain "uneasy" and cautious about meditation. Trust me, it's waaaay to easy to be lead astray by funky meditation practices, or negative practices that are disguised as something positive.
In all my years of research, practice and personal experience, what I have been practicing/teaching for over a decade simply makes the most sense and avoids all the freaky-deaky stuff.
You will get all the tools you need in the upcoming weeks. In fact, next Saturday you will get all the instruction one would ever really need for a lifetime of meditation practice.
Be Well,
Chris
This next Saturday meeting sounds like a great one . . . the one on the 15th. You said it was optional, right? Here's the bummer: I will be in Michigan on that ski trip with my high school small group girls. Is there another time I could learn this stuff or could you e-mail me the information?
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